NYC & Company Announces Holiday Gift Guide For 2009

NYC & COMPANY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR 2009

—Officially Licensed New York City Products Designed to Delight Kids, Cooks, Sports Fans and More This Holiday Season—

New York City (November 17, 2009)—NYC & Company, New York City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today announced its lineup of licensed New York City gifts for the holidays. The fourth quarter is traditionally New York City’s busiest time of the year, with roughly 11.5 million visitors expected to arrive between October and December this year. Because navigating the busy streets in the weeks before the New Year can be a challenge for any shopper, NYC & Company has highlighted a few affordable quintessential NYC gifts available in stores throughout the City and online at nycshop.com.

“New York City offers signature products recognized around the world,” said George Fertitta, NYC & Company CEO. “Whether you are looking to purchase a keepsake for family and friends or proudly possess your own piece of NYC property, the City’s official merchandise is certain to set itself apart from the rest.”

In honor of Sesame Street’s 40th birthday celebration this year, Sesame Street and NYC & Company have released a line of co-branded children’s apparel to commemorate the series’ New York City heritage. An assortment of children’s T-shirts featuring New York City agency logos and Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird, are being sold exclusively at Toys ’R Us and Babies ’R Us throughout the City.

Just in time for the holidays, when culinary demands are high, and in preparation for NYC Restaurant Week® Winter 2010, the New York Restaurant Cookbook is available online and in bookstores. This cooking guide features signature recipes from top New York City chefs, food preparation tips, suggested wine and beverage pairings, a lengthy sources list and an extensive index of restaurant locations. The book, which is divided into 11 chapters (including soups, seafood, pizza and brunch, side dishes, and desserts) is a must-read for any foodie.

Sport your NYC pride with a limited-edition T-shirt featuring the FDNY, the NYPD and the Yankees—the bravest, the finest and the 2009 World Series champions. A $1 donation from each sale will go toward the New York City Police Foundation and the FDNY Foundation. These one-of-a-kind shirts are available exclusively at Modell's locations across the five boroughs.

Toy-car collectors young and old will revel in the NYC taxicab play set by Daron Worldwide. The miniature model, with the renowned yellow-and-black color scheme, features authentic NYC Taxi markings as well as working front doors and trunk. This perfect stocking stuffer can be found in gift and toy stores citywide.

A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of City licensed merchandise benefits the City of New York and is used toward programs that further support, protect and promote the five boroughs and City agencies.

For more NYC gift ideas, visit the official online shop of New York City, nycshop.com.

About NYC & Company:

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.

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